Salvinorin A is the primary psychoactive component of Salvia divinorum.
a member of the sage family found in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Salvinorin
A is the most potent naturally occurring psychedelic known, and in many
ways the most enigmatic. Those using salvinorin A find it frequently induces
experiences of an intensity level which is an order of magnitude beyond
those experienced with any other psychedelic, even DMT. The dimensions
visited under the influence of salvinorin A are described as extremely
bizarre and varied, with several aspects not common to other psychedelic
experiences.
Many who have used salvinorin A find the experience extremely unnerving,
frightening and overly intense. Most have no desire to repeat the experience.
although there are a few who have taken a liking to this entheogen and
are working to develop a relationship with it. Early experiments by pioneering
psychonauts suggest that access to benignly expansive realms, as well as
new and very real dangers. are possible with this material. Salvinorin
A also presents us with an entirely novel chemical structure for a psychedelic
drug. It's the first psychedelic diterpene to be discovered, while nearly
all other known psychedelics are alkaloids.
The following pages discuss the history and botany of the rare and little-known
plant. Salvia divinorum, and the recent isolation of its immensely powerful
active principal, salvinorin A. Since the first human experiment with this
substance three years ago. salvinorin A has generated significant interest
within the psychedelic community, and promises to challenge our basic understanding
of consciousness and the functioning of the mind. Presented here are results
of the early human experiments with salvinorin A, many in the form of first-hand
reports which give lucid descriptions of the bizarre and multifaceted worlds
of Salvia divinorum.
